Fennel seed is more than its subtle sweet, drop -like and yet earthly taste; It is a spice that has something to say. I used to see fennel only on vacation in Italy or Morocco, beautifully flourishing on the roadside. Nowadays it adorns many a flower bed in the city center of Amsterdam.
Fennel may not have always grown here, the seed has been used for centuries. The midwife in particular was known for her knowledge of herbs and spices. Fennel seeds, warming and healing, would help to start breastfeeding, calm the abdomen and support recovery after the birth. It would even alleviate the cramps of newborn babies. It is the type of kitchen cupboard knowledge that women save generation to generation, without ever writing it down.
In the Netherlands we know the so -called maternity drinks with fennel seeds, such as strongly drawn fennel tea, but also the nowadays somewhat controversial, because alcoholic drink Kaddeel. In this, fennel seeds are often combined with spices such as Anijs and Karwij. The midwife brought it to you, or the midwife had it ready, but it never really was missing.
In Morocco, fennel seed is used in the festive food for the midwife (and her guests). Dishes such as ‘Rfissa’ and ‘Tritt’, generously flavored with a special breed El Hanout (also called ‘Mshhan’, which means ‘warming’), a mixture rich in fenugreek, ginger and fennel seeds. You marinate in it, and then let it simmer for hours. Lentils also go in the rich broth, and the whole is served on freshly baked, torn ‘msemmen’ (Moroccan layered flat bread). Delicious.
Different customs, the same primal knowledge. Sometimes I think that this intuitive, orally transmitted wisdom of women has been deliberately suppressed for centuries. In Europe she disappeared into the smoke of the witch persecution and medical professionalization. What was once the knowledge of the midwife was later put away as superstition. Or, in our time, as an online exaggeration: fennel seed would not be good for you. You should not take it in large quantities, but that applies to almost everything.
This old knowledge is essentially nothing but take care of each other in its simplest form: attention and love. Wonderful, that the use of spices not only enriches your taste, but also your mind and body? Sometimes, when I let the fennel seed roll in my hand, ready to disappear into the pan, I think: this is not a normal ingredient. These are bombs of women’s wisdom.